Reference books include encyclopedias, dictionaries, almanacs, chronologies, handbooks, atlases, and desktop reference books. Some of these books can provide quick answers to specific questions. Some provide a brief overview of a topic. Reference books are usually written in a concise manner (and are organized alphabetically) so that access to information is quick.

General Encyclopedias. These include Encyclopedia Americana, Encyclopedia Britannica, Academic American Encyclopedia, and World Book. These books will provide you with a brief overview of subjects across the board including the sciences, the humanties, and the social sciences.

Subject Encyclopedias. These include the Encyclopedia of Psychology, McGraw-Hill Encyclopedia of Science & Technology, Wiley Encyclopedia of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, and the Froehlich/Kent Encyclopedia of Telecommunications. These books will give a more in-depth treatment of a given topic. However, they are still encyclopedias so it is unlikely that they will give you all the information you need.

Almanacs. These include The New York Times Almanac, The World Alamanac, and The Macmillan Visual Almanac. These annual publications will provide you with quick facts such as dates, people, and events and statistics on a variety of subjects.

Atlases. These include the World Reference Atlas, The Book of the World, and The 21st Century World Atlas. These books contain maps and topographical information. They may also contain statistical information as it relates to population and economy.

Chronologies. These include the Chronicle of the 20th Century, Timelines of War, and The Timetables of History . These books will give you information about important historical events, people, and inventions in a chronological manner.

Reference books cannot be checked out of the library. If you need information from a reference book please let us know and we will fax or mail you a copy of the information you need. You may contact us by phone (732-435-4880 ext. 3840) or email.